Keep Off the Grass, Iris Prize-nominated short film, produced by BAFT graduate Tyla Sharp, premieres on Film 4. 

Tyla is a young British Producer who intends to continue creating successful, poignant and emotive short dramas while he develops his skillset to become a full-time Creative Producer for feature films and HETV. His love of emotive stories is demonstrated in his development and production of festival-successful shorts with exceptional new talent, including BAFTA-nominated actors. After graduating from University of the Arts, London, Tyla became a part of the advisory board for the Northampton Film Festival, his hometown, as a way to give back to the community. He now works with HETV production company Eleventh Hour Films while producing a new short film, Mr Apple, alongside RTS Winning Writer/Director Ian D. Fleming, BAFTA winning Director Peter Hoar and other skilled industry professionals.

Keep of the Grass tells the story of young Sunny Cooper, an amateur football player who struggles to come to terms with his sexuality and as the final game of the season approaches, tensions rise between Sunny and love interest Josh, who can’t bring themselves to embrace their connection in this environment. Sunny will have to fight not only for what he wants on the pitch, but also off it. 

We caught up with Tyla to discuss his phenomenal work on Keep off the Grass, his filmmaking endeavors, and his time at LCC.

1. Can you tell us about ‘Keep of the Grass’ and what was your role in it? 

Keep Off The Grass is a 10-minute graduation film shot in the Spring of 2021. It tells the story of an amateur footballer, Sunny, and his struggle to come to terms with his sexuality. Francis Rudd came up with the idea after somebody asked him ‘can you name an openly gay footballer?’ and to his shock, he couldn’t.

2. Why do you think it’s an important watch?

It’s an important watch because it’s so taboo! So many seem to be afraid to talk about this but it’s still very obviously an issue. The film tackles the themes of love, hate, self-acceptance, and homophobia. 

3. How was the film received in festivals? 

The film has had a fruitful festival run, screening across the world at some of the best and biggest LGBTQ+ film festivals in the world, including the IRIS Prize. The award-winning film was selected as one of the 15 Best British Short films as part of the IRIS Prize film festival and will broadcast on Film4 this year and stream on All4 for one year, giving it a legacy and a home to tell this important story.

4. Can you tell us how you became a producer? What are the things that interest you? 

I became the young producer that I am now through this film. I was 19 when I started work on Keep Off The Grass, and I know I wasn’t interested in producing at that time, but I was drawn to tell this story. That’s what interests me I suppose; great, entertaining and gripping stories that need to be told. It was a graduate film that I managed to produce during my second year, so that really put me out of my comfort zone, but it was so rewarding.

5. Can you tell us a film that impacted you the most and why? 

Lord of the Rings. Childhood films. So classical and moving. I love the direction that Peter Jackson took and I love the music! They’re really inspiring to me, soon I’ll be going to see the orchestral concert. 

6. Why did you choose to pursue the BA Film and Television course at LCC? 

I chose to study BA Film & TV because I needed to be in an environment that surrounds me with creative people. Not only that but people who challenge me as a creative and encourage me to think critically in the finer details, from both staff and peers. UAL is also really diverse which feels liberating, so it was naturally my first choice. Oh, and I love Film and TV, so… 

7. Can you tell us more about your time on the course? 

My time on the course was fulfilling. I’ve always felt unfulfilled, full of the same self-doubt that so many creatives have, but I really think I tried my hardest and spared no time in seizing opportunities within the course. Upon reflection, I’m proud! I feel as though so much has happened during those 3 years, both personally and professionally. I leave with films that I am really proud of (in different ways), and people I feel I’ll remember for a long time. I’ll always be grateful to everyone who helped me along the way. 

8. What did you take from your experience at LCC? 

Value the process of learning and developing – my tutors taught me an incredible amount. Experience taught me an incredible amount too! It’s all about learning. If you learn, you get better, and I really value it now more than ever. 

9. Do you have any tips for current or graduating students? 

Work smart, manage your time well and think about your professional perception: sort your CV, look the part, and deliver! It’s all about delivery. Be friendly. Smile. Try your best. Humility is also incredibly important, people will notice if you’re bragging, even indirectly. Ultimately do what you think is best, but seek advice and never be afraid to ask for guidance. I have some incredible mentors around me whom I’m always asking for advice from. Also, don’t be afraid to graduate.. post-graduate life is actually quite nice. 

10. Describe your film using 3 words. 

Straight-forward, poignant and moving. 

Keep Off the Grass is now on Channel 4’s website, you can stream it HERE.